Backend Category: Safety Excellence Initiative

Resource Highlight: MCAA’s Musculoskeletal Disorders & Ergonomic Safety Resources

Musculoskeletal disorders (MSD) or ergonomic injuries are more than just a buzzword. OSHA approximates that one in three injuries is an MSD and these injuries cost U.S. workplaces billions of dollars each year. MCAA’s Musculoskeletal Disorders & Ergonomic Safety Resources provide the information you need to reduce risk and ensure worker safety, including several videos developed in collaboration with our partners at CNA insurance and an ergonomics webinar developed in partnership with The Center for Construction Research and Training (CPWR), Washington University in St. Louis, and Best Built Plans. These are just a few of MCAA’s educational resources that are free to MCAA members as a benefit of membership.

Worker Safety Training Videos & Accompanying Resources

Musculoskeletal Wellness (Ergonomics) 

MCAA/CNA Microlearning Safety Video Series

  • Worker Personal Health to Help Prevent Musculoskeletal Injuries – English | Spanish
  • Safe Lifting Technique to Help Prevent Musculoskeletal Injuries – English | Spanish
  • Proper Material Staging to Help Prevent Musculoskeletal Injuries – English | Spanish

Safety Training Webinar

Supervisor Safety Training Video

Explore the the full range of resources for mechanical construction, service and plumbing contractors, using the blue Find A Resource bar on our website or browse our collection of 700+ safety and health resources.

Have Questions or Need Personal Assistance?

Contact MCAA’s Raffi Elchemmas.

Resource Highlight: MCAA’s Worker Health Resources

Worker health is at the heart of all that safety professionals do. MCAA’s Worker Health Resources include six worker safety videos and their accompanying materials and eleven worker safety resources that let you refresh training on subjects such as Asbestos Awareness, Bloodborne Pathogens, Hexavalent Chromium, Silica, Radio Frequency Radiation Safety, Respiratory Protection. Guides, bulletins, and programs on each topic support these efforts. These are just a few of MCAA’s educational resources that are free to MCAA members as a benefit of membership.

Worker Safety Training Videos & Accompanying Resources

Asbestos Awareness

Bloodborne Pathogens

Hexavalent Chromium

Silica

Radio Frequency Radiation Safety

Respiratory Protection

Safety Bulletins

Safety Guides

Model Safety Programs

Explore the the full range of resources for mechanical construction, service and plumbing contractors, using the blue Find A Resource bar on our website or browse our collection of 700+ safety and health resources.

Have Questions or Need Personal Assistance?

Contact MCAA’s Raffi Elchemmas.

Resource Highlight: MCAA’s Working at Heights Safety & Health Resources

Working at heights continues to be one of the most dangerous parts of construction and service. Each year falls are the leading cause of workplace fatalities and fall protection is the most cited OSHA violation. MCAA’s Working at Heights resources, which include training on Aerial Lift Safety, Fall Prevention and Protection, Ladder Safety, and Scaffold Safety, help keep workers safe, while model programs on fall protection and fall rescue simplify OSHA compliance.These are just a few of MCAA’s educational resources that are free to MCAA members as a benefit of membership.

Worker Safety Training Videos & Accompanying Resources

Aerial Lift Safety

Fall Prevention and Protection

Ladder Safety

Scaffold Safety

Model Safety Programs

Explore the the full range of resources for mechanical service contractors, including resources that are also of interest to mechanical construction and plumbing contractors, using the blue Find A Resource bar on our website or browse our collection of 700+ safety and health resources.

Have Questions or Need Personal Assistance?

Contact MCAA’s Raffi Elchemmas.

Resource Highlight: MCAA’s New Worker Safety & Health Resources

New workers are often the most vulnerable to accidents and injuries. MCAA’s New Worker Safety & Health Resources assist contractors in providing training on how to identify common hazards in the mechanical industry, and how to protect themselves from those hazards. Topics covered include stop work authority, pre-task planning, PPE, working at heights, fall protection, fall prevention, power tool safety, hazard communication, housekeeping, and emergency procedures. These are just a few of MCAA’s educational resources that are free to MCAA members as a benefit of membership.

Worker Safety Training Videos & Accompanying Resources

New Worker Safety Orientation

Safety Manuals

Safety Programs

Explore the the full range of resources for mechanical service contractors, including resources that are also of interest to mechanical construction and plumbing contractors, using the blue Find A Resource bar on our website or browse our collection of 700+ safety and health resources.

Have Questions or Need Personal Assistance?

Contact MCAA’s Raffi Elchemmas.

MCAA & NFPA Are Empowering Electrical Safety for Mechanical Service with New Training & Education

MCAA has joined forces with the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) to offer resources and tools customized and curated to specifically address and mitigate risks related to electrical safety posed to MCAA members, including physical, compliance and financial risks. Crafted by NFPA’s trusted subject matter experts, this content will provide actionable information and strategies to help you and your team keep pace with the ever-changing regulatory environment, identify potential hazards and shortfalls, and markedly improve safety for your employees, customers, and their workplaces and communities.

Depending on your needs and goals, we offer different levels of educational programs from introductory to more in-depth and on-going programming—and it’s all at a discounted rate.

See the brochure for offerings and discounts, then request more information at nfpa.org/mcaa-nfpa.

If you have questions that aren’t addressed here, please contact Raffi Elchemmas.

2026 Safety & Health Conference

MCAA, SMACNA, TAUC have partnered together to host the Safety & Health Conference, the biggest construction safety event of the year. The conference brings together safety professionals from across the construction industry to collaborate and explore the challenges and opportunities within our field. Attendees will have the opportunity to engage in a range of educational programs designed to enhance their professional skills. Subject Matter Experts will cover various aspects of jobsite safety, including discussions on emerging technologies and evolving best practices that can be implemented in their operations. Hands-on workshops will also be available, allowing experts to delve into new safety & health concepts in detail and provide practical guidance to help attendees better understand these innovative ideas. Two summits will also be offered, a pre-conference Construction Mental Health Summit and a post-conference Construction Risk Management Summit. 

Resource Highlight: Heat Stress

Each year, thousands of workers suffer from heat illness while working in high temperatures, direct sun, and humid conditions; dozens even die. Many mechanical contractors spend part of their working day in hot environments, both indoors and outdoors. Workers performing physical labor are often exposed to hazardous heat conditions that can have severe safety and health outcomes. It’s just one of MCAA’s educational resources that are free to MCAA members as a benefit of membership.

VIEW RESOURCE

Explore the full range MCAA resources in the Resource Center, where you can use the blue Find A Resource bar to pinpoint exactly what you need.

MCAA Partners with SMACNA & TAUC for the Biggest Construction Safety Event of the Year

The Mechanical Contractors Association of America (MCAA), the Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractors’ National Association (SMACNA), and The Association of Union Contractors (TAUC) are thrilled to announce the inaugural Safety & Health Conference scheduled for January 13-16, 2025, at the Fort Lauderdale Marriott Harbor Beach in Fort Lauderdale, FL., poised to be the biggest construction safety event of the year. 

Sponsored by MILWAUKEE TOOL, the 2025 Safety & Health Conference will bring together safety professionals from across the construction industry to collaborate and explore the challenges and opportunities within our field. It is imperative that contractors are equipped with the knowledge and tools necessary to create safe workplaces where the risk of injury and illness is minimized. 

Attendees will have the opportunity to engage in a range of educational programs designed to enhance their professional skills. Subject Matter Experts will cover various aspects of jobsite safety, including discussions on emerging technologies and evolving best practices that can be implemented in their operations. Hands-on workshops will also be available, allowing experts to delve into new safety & health concepts in detail and provide practical guidance to help attendees better understand these innovative ideas. 

For the first time ever, two new summits will also be offered, a pre-conference Construction Mental Health Summit and a post-conference Construction Risk Management Summit. 

Registration for the conference will open in September 2024. Mark your calendars to ensure you don’t miss out on this valuable opportunity to learn about the latest developments in the safety industry! 

For those interested in exhibiting at the 2025 Safety & Health Conference, please reach out to Alex Kopp. 

MCAA and Partners Team Up with Virginia Tech to Improve Head Protection

Thirteen years after releasing the first independent safety ratings for varsity football helmets, the Virginia Tech Helmet Lab is expanding into the construction industry. This summer, researchers will begin an 18-month study to develop the first ratings system for safety helmets, commonly referred to as hard hats or construction helmets, using their five-star scale. This project is being funded and guided by the John R. Gentille Foundation, ELECTRI International, the American Society of Concrete Contractors, and The Association of Union Constructors in an effort to reduce the number of head injuries in our industry.

The lab has previously conducted injury biomechanics research outside sports, including toy product safety and drone impact testing. However, this is the first time they will develop a ratings system for a non-sports helmet.

“Construction has the most workplace fatalities,” said Steve Rowson, Helmet Lab Director. “Better head protection could be life-saving in many accidents.”

Between 2000 and 2008, the construction industry had more traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) than any other industry, according to the American Journal of Preventive Medicine.

The project’s objectives are:

  • Analyze head impacts in construction through accident reports and surveillance video.
  • Translate real-world conditions to controlled laboratory tests.
  • Test and publicly release data on available safety helmets on the Virginia Tech Helmet Ratings website.

The lab will use its Summation of Tests for the Analysis of Risk (STAR) model to compute overall performance scores for helmets, assigning a rating from one to five stars based on a series of impact tests tailored to construction helmet conditions.

“We are honored to support research that will improve the safety of the men and women building our nation by focusing on the industry-specific factors that contribute to head injuries,” said Raffi Elchemmas of the Mechanical Contractors Association of America. “We are all committed to finding solutions to the challenges that the construction industry faces every day and confident this project will lead to improved head protection and reduce injuries.”

The project is scheduled for completion by August 2025.

“We hope this work reduces disabling or fatal head injuries by providing stakeholders with data to make informed decisions on the most effective personal protective equipment,” Rowson said.

Learn more about the lab’s methodology, history, and upcoming project by watching the video on Virginia Tech’s website.

MCAA Safety & Health Data Raises The Bar

The 2024 MCAA Safety Statistics & Awards program highlights a consistent and stable cohort of safety performance across MCAA contractor membership. This year the MCAA Safety Excellence Initiative is proud to recognize 62 MCAA member companies. All applicants receive a valuable benchmarking report that will allow them to compare their own 2023 incidence rates with the aggregate rates of the other participating MCAA companies overall, those in the same size category, and with the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics incidence rates.

This year’s cohort achieved best in industry rates across the construction sector. On average participating MCAA contractors had a recordable rate of 1.1, lower than years past and significantly lower than our industry in general with a 3.1. As far as lost workday cases go, MCAA members once again performed exceptionally with a .28 rate compared to the industry rate of 1.8.

Those who qualified will also receive a certificate of recognition.

The program provides six awards categories including awards for zero recordable cases, zero lost workday cases, recordable cases incidence rates that are 25% or more below the industry average, lost workday cases incidence rates that are 25% or more below the industry average, and two that are a mix of these items.

MCAA is pleased to give the following contractors special recognition for their safety performance.

Zero Recordable Cases

  • James T. Kay Co., Inc.
  • Bayes, Inc.
  • Benkari LLC
  • ACSI Mechanical Group
  • Stirrett Johnsen, Inc.
  • Sun Mechanical Systems, Inc.
  • Denali Construction Services, LLC
  • Neptune Plumbing & Heating Co.
  • King Industries Inc.
  • A J Allen Mechanical Contractors Inc.
  • W.J. O’Neil Company
  • BAKER GROUP

Zero Lost Workday Cases

  • DebonAir Mechanical
  • SEXSON MECHANICAL COMPANY
  • Indoor Environmental Services
  • Muir-Chase Plumbing Co., Inc.
  • Hurckman Mechanical
  • North Mechanical Service
  • Auburn Mechanical
  • Wm.T. Spaeder Co., Inc
  • RW LaPIne Inc.
  • UMC, inc.
  • Warwick Mechanical Group
  • icon Mechanical
  • Control Air Enterprises LLC
  • Therma LLC
  • Nooter Construction Company
  • Murray Company

Congratulations to all award winners and thank you to everyone who submitted. MCAA members’ focus on safety and health is objectively above average and your support of this program highlights your company’s commitment to safety.

ServiceTitan Highlights Mental Health in Construction with the UA and MCAA

Mental health awareness and suicide prevention are a priority across the construction and service industries. MCAA member ServiceTitan recently amplified the conversation with a special episode of its ‘Toolbox for the Trades’ podcast. The hour-long podcast, hosted by Jackie Aubel, features a dialogue between the United Association’s (UA) Jennifer Massey and MCAA’s Raffi Elchemmas.

There are a troubling 5,000 deaths by suicide each year in the United States construction industry.

Workplace challenges include doing a job that’s physically demanding and therefore brings a high probability of injury. Plus, there are the long hours and travel requirements.

Conditions have improved when it comes to deaths on the job caused by unsafe working environments. However, experts say, more needs to be done to address mental health in the construction ranks.

Jennifer Massey is the safety, health and environmental administrator for the United Association. The group represents approximately 375,000 home services industry workers in the United States and Canada.

“People should be able to go home in the same condition they came to work,” she says. “They should not be adversely affected while trying to have a livelihood to provide for their families and themselves.”

Both Massey and Raffi Elchemmas, executive director for safety, health and risk management at the Mechanical Contractors Association of America, are concerned about the mental health issues that led to those 5,000 suicides last year.

Elchemmas says workers deserve better than the status quo.

“We wrote the playbook with physical safety, how to prevent falls, how to keep people safe and PPE,” he says. “We can do it again in mental health, and that’s what we plan to do.”

It’s achievable, Elchemmas says.

“Compassion, empathy – those are the things we’re trying to do,” he adds. “We’re trying to break the stigma, ask the question that you would feel comfortable asking your sibling, asking your best friend, but on a job site.”

Jennifer Massey and Raffi Elchemmas recently joined ServiceTitan’s Jackie Aubel on the “Toolbox for the Trades” podcast, which included their thoughts on:

  • [10:54]: The importance of mental health in the construction industry
  • [16:42]: Clearly defining mental health issues and terms
  • [35:01]: Warning signs that someone may be having mental health challenges
  • [37:30]: Dealing with working in a toxic environment
  • [49:01]: Available resources and support for those struggling with mental health

To hear more stories from the trades, subscribe to Toolbox for the Trades on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google, or anywhere you get podcasts.

If you have questions, please contact Raffi Elchemmas, MCAA’s Executive Director of Safety, Health and Risk Management.

MCAA & BuildOps Announce Partnership to Elevate Safety in Mechanical Contracting

MCAA has joined forces with BuildOps, an MCAA member and a provider of all-in-one field service and construction management software tailored for the modern mechanical contractor. This pivotal partnership will integrate MCAA’s extensive safety training resources directly into the BuildOps platform, granting all MCAA member companies using BuildOps unprecedented access.

Revolutionizing Safety Training Through Technology Integration

This collaboration introduces a powerful, new dimension to safety training for BuildOps.

BuildOps will host an array of safety-focused educational materials and resources from MCAA, ensuring that MCAA members have instant access to critical safety training necessary to maintain the highest standards of workplace safety and compliance.

“The integration of MCAA’s trusted safety content into our platform marks a significant step forward in our mission to provide the most comprehensive, user-friendly, and efficient tools for the industry,” said Glen West, BuildOps Head of Growth and Partnerships. “This partnership is more than just a merging of resources—it’s about making it easier than ever for MCAA member contractors to keep their teams safe, knowledgeable, and compliant on the job.”

Empowering Contractors with Essential Tools for Success

Through BuildOps’ innovative digital platform, MCAA members will have direct access to a curated selection of crucial safety courses and materials, specifically designed to:

  • Enhance industry knowledge and facilitate compliance with safety and health standards.
  • Promote a sustainable culture of safety across all levels of operations.
  • Provide engaging, easily accessible educational resources right at their fingertips.

“This partnership leverages BuildOps’ technological strength and adds to an impressive list of partners to deliver safety training to our members,” said Timothy J. Brink, MCAA CEO. “We are committed to ensuring that every MCAA member contractor and their team can access top-tier safety training seamlessly.”

Expanding Contractor Safety and Efficiency

This partnership is set against a backdrop of BuildOps’ continued growth and innovation in the field service management space. Recent product releases such as their Forecasting and Credit Hold features exemplify their commitment to empowering contractors.

By integrating MCAA’s safety materials, BuildOps is once again demonstrating its dedication to reshaping the landscape of commercial contracting.

Integrating MCAA Member Resources Into the Software You Use Every Day

MCAA members now have four companies that are committed to delivering important safety and health resources through their platforms. As always, MCAA members can visit mcaa.org to access the same resources there.

BuildOps

BuildOps is a fast-paced, high-growth technology company dedicated to the heroes of the trades. We transition commercial specialty contractors from traditional methods to our state-of-the-art, cloud-based, data-driven platform, setting new standards for operational excellence. Our end-to-end solution empowers owners to build enduring businesses equipped to meet today’s challenges and tomorrow’s opportunities. For more information, visit BuildOps.com.

BuildOps is actively working to provide access to the MCAA materials from within their platform.

MCAI Training Vault

Training Vault is an easy to use, convenient system that helps track all types of training — seminars, conferences, certifications, licenses, and more. The system is provided through the Mechanical Contractors Association of Iowa.

MCAA members with existing MCAI Training Vault accounts should be able to access the MCAA materials via their accounts. If you do not see the materials, reach out to your company representative.

Tyfoom

Tyfoom is the #1 engagement platform for employee communication and training. We provide a simple and easy way to connect all employees with leaders every day to improve culture, productivity and employee engagement. Tyfoom employs non-disruptive, science-based techniques and gamification to facilitate the transfer of knowledge and increase accountability.

MCAA members with existing Tyfoom accounts should be able to access the MCAA materials via their accounts. If you do not see the materials, reach out to your company representative.

ServiceTitan

ServiceTitan is the operating system that powers the trades. Trusted by over 12,000 contracting businesses, the end-to-end platform powers profitable growth for commercial and specialty contractors by connecting their service and construction operations in one place to help them optimize cash flow, increase workforce productivity, and improve their bottom line. By bringing an integrated SaaS platform to an industry historically underserved by technology, ServiceTitan equips tradespeople with the technology they need to keep the world running.

ServiceTitan is actively working to provide access to the MCAA materials from within their platform.

MCAA thanks all of our partners for facilitating easy access to MCAA safety resources for MCAA members using their platforms.

Resource Highlight: MSCA’s Safety Resources for Mechanical Service

Mechanical service contractors face unique challenges when it comes to the safety of their workers. MSCA’s Safety Resources for Mechanical Service address these challenges through a combination of worker training and guides, manuals, and model safety programs that support your safety program. These are just a few of MCAA’s educational resources that are free to MCAA members as a benefit of membership.

Worker Safety Training Videos & Accompanying Resources

Electrical Safety in the Workplace for Service (NFPA-70E) Safety Training

Additional electrical safety resources and tools are available thanks to MCAA’s partnership with the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). These tools can help you mitigate risks related to electrical safety, including physical, compliance and financial risks. Learn More

Mechanical Service Safety

Refrigerant Safety for Mechanical Service Technicians

Safety Guides

Safety Manuals

Model Safety Programs

Tailgate Safety Talks

Explore the the full range of resources for mechanical service contractors, including resources that are also of interest to mechanical construction and plumbing contractors, using the blue Find A Resource bar on our website or browse our collection of 700+ safety and health resources.

Have Questions or Need Personal Assistance?

For safety questions, contact MCAA’s Raffi Elchemmas.

Service-related questions go to MCAA’s Teresa Pezzi.

Five Ways To Create A Safer Workplace for Women in Construction

Over 390,000 women work in the construction industry, up significantly over the past decade. Despite this tremendous growth, many women still face challenges, including safety and health. All workers deserve a safe workplace and to return home at the end of the day in the same shape as when they got there. MCAA’s Safety Excellence and Women in the Mechanical Industry initiatives are pleased to bring you these tips for creating safer workplaces for women.

The following tips are adapted from the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) blog:

  1. Provide Properly Fitting Personal Protective Equipment

Women’s safety on the job is undermined when safety measures, such as providing personal protective equipment (PPE) for diverse bodies, are not implemented in favor of a one-size-fits-all approach. A recent survey of tradeswomen and non-binary tradespeople found that nearly three in ten report never or rarely being provided gloves or safety equipment in sizes that fit them. According to another survey, 89% of tradeswomen said they had difficulty accessing PPE that fits and 77% reported they were exposed to unnecessary hazards because of ill-fitting PPE. In response, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) issued a notice of proposed rulemaking to ensure that all employees have PPE that fits properly. 

  1. Guarantee Safe and Sanitary Bathrooms

OSHA’s sanitation standards require employers to provide accessible sanitary facilities for ALL personnel and to ensure that these facilities are maintained appropriately. Despite this, many tradeswomen we’ve talked to say they still lack access to clean toilets on sites, and too many encounter hostility and harassment from male colleagues when bathrooms are designated for women only. Inadequate and unsafe facilities lead to many women reporting that they avoid using toilets or drink less water. The result can be a higher incidence of bladder and kidney infections and an increased risk of heat stress and other health problems.

  1. Ensure Protections for Pregnant and Postpartum Workers

Pregnant and postpartum workers often have unique health and safety needs. The new Pregnant Workers Fairness Act requires covered employers to provide “reasonable accommodations” to workers’ known limitations related to pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions unless the accommodation will cause the employer an undue hardship. Under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), as recently extended by the Providing Urgent Maternal Protections for Nursing Mothers Act (PUMP Act), covered employers are required to provide nursing employees with reasonable break time and a private space, other than a bathroom, to express breast milk at work for up to one year after the child’s birth. The Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) entitles eligible employees of covered employers to unpaid, job protected leave for the birth of and bonding with a child, for prenatal care and incapacity related to pregnancy, for the worker’s own serious health condition including following the birth of a child, and to care for a child with a serious health condition. Employers should ensure they are adhering to these laws and any other relevant state laws, and may choose to go beyond them by, for example, providing job-protected paid family and medical leave, paid sick leave and child care for workers with children. Supporting employees throughout all phases of their lives, including pregnancy and parenting, ensures that employers can attract and retain a pool of diverse, skilled workers.

  1. Prevent Gender-Based Violence and Harassment

Lack of respect, discrimination and gender-based violence and harassment (GBVH) undermine worker health and safety and drive women out of male-dominated jobs. In fact, lack of respect or discrimination is the most commonly cited reason tradeswomen consider leaving the construction industry. Employers should assess their worksites and institute policies and programs to change workplace culture and prevent and address GBVH, such as those detailed in the Women’s Bureau’s Tools for Building an Equitable Infrastructure Workforce. Addressing GBVH is not just necessary for inclusivity; it plays a role in creating safe workplaces. 

  1. Promote Mental Health

Stress from GBVH, lack of inclusion, and demanding worksites can be harmful to worker health and increase mental health challenges, which can include mental illness and substance use disorders as well as emotions like grief, sadness, and anxiety. Research shows that workers who have not been integrated into a workplace culture are more likely to have accidents on the job due to the increased psychological and emotional stress of being excluded. These challenges can also lead to low job satisfaction for women, which results in their exit from construction occupations. OSHA’s webpage on Workplace Stress includes resources to both help understand the issue and provide guidance for employers to help address the issue. 

MCAA applauds the DOL’s focus on women’s safety and health. Our Safety Excellence and Women in the Mechanical Industry initiatives are working together to bring you additional information on the topic in the future.

In the meantime, you can learn more about MCAA’s Women in the Mechanical Industry (WiMI) Initiative here. Questions can be addressed to Jocelyn Jackson, MCAA’s Director, WiMI and Dues Management.

Information on MCAA’s Safety Excellence Initiative is available here. Please contact Raffi Elchemmas, MCAA’s Executive Director of Safety, Health, and Risk Management with any questions.

Resource Highlight: MCAA’s Distracted Driving Resources

Distracted driving kills thousands of people each year and seriously injures hundreds of thousands more according to the National Safety Council. MCAA’s distracted driving resources arm mechanical contractors with the resources needed to educate their workers during Distracted Driving Awareness Month this April and throughout the year. These are just a few of MCAA’s educational resources that are free to MCAA members as a benefit of membership.

Available resources include:

You may also be interested in the distracted driving and vehicle tips contained in these toolbox talks:

For a full list of MCAA’s 700+ Safety & Health resources, visit this page.

Have Questions or Need Personal Assistance?

Contact Raffi Elchemmas, MCAA’s Executive Director of Safety, Health, and Risk Management

MCAA & NFPA Are Empowering Electrical Safety for Mechanical Service with New Training & Education

MCAA has joined forces with the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) to offer resources and tools customized and curated to specifically address and mitigate risks related to electrical safety posed to MCAA members, including physical, compliance and financial risks. Crafted by NFPA’s trusted subject matter experts, this content will provide actionable information and strategies to help you and your team keep pace with the ever-changing regulatory environment, identify potential hazards and shortfalls, and markedly improve safety for your employees, customers, and their workplaces and communities.

Depending on your needs and goals, we offer different levels of educational programs from introductory to more in-depth and on-going programming—and it’s all at a discounted rate.

See the brochure for offerings and discounts, then request more information at nfpa.org/mcaa-nfpa.

If you have questions that aren’t addressed here, please contact Raffi Elchemmas.

Resource Highlight: MCAA’s Mental Health Awareness Resources

Construction is a demanding, high-stress profession with one of the highest suicide rates in the nation. Providing training and connecting people with treatment services can be hard. MCAA’s Mental Health Awareness resources simplify the process. These are just a few of MCAA’s educational resources that are free to MCAA members as a benefit of membership.

Available resources include:

  • A Mental Health Awareness & Suicide Prevention Video highlighting an industry veteran’s success story. The video includes appearances by MCAA past president Robert Beck, the UA’s Jen Massey, industry expert Dr. Sally Spencer Thomas, and MCAA member Ricky Reams.
  • A series of Mental Health Toolbox Talks that are easy to reference, quick to use, and a great way to start the conversation on mental health awareness and suicide prevention in construction at your company. English | Spanish
  • 988 Chips & Hard Hat Stickers highlighting the 988 National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. Both items include the UA and MCAA logos.
    • MCAA members can order stickers here. To order chips, contact Lindsay Korpiniski at orderdesk@unionproud.com and reference the MCAA and UA 988 Chips. Both manufacturers employ union labor, and the chips and stickers carry the union label. Those with questions can contact Raffi Elchemmas (raffi@mcaa.org).
    • UA members can order right from the UA’s webstore. Those with questions can reach out to Nicole Jeup (nicolej@uanet.org).

You may also find the posters, flyers, and other resources available through these sites helpful:

Many of the resources mentioned in this article are also available through 20 Years of Safety Excellence – September 2023: Mental Health Awareness.

If you have questions, please contact Raffi Elchemmas, MCAA’s Executive Director of Safety, Health, and Risk Management.

Resource Highlight: MCAA’s Model Accident/Incident Investigation Program

Accidents/incidents impact worker safety and morale, as well as a company’s bottom line. MCAA’s Model Accident/Incident Investigation Program provides a methodical process to help contractors prevent similar repeat accidents/incidents, underscore the company’s commitment to safety, and save money. It’s just one of MCAA’s educational resources that are free to MCAA members as a benefit of membership.

The model program guides users through the process of:

  • Compiling the facts associated with the occurrence of an accident/incident
  • Determining the real cause or causes of the accident/incident and
  • Initiating appropriate action to prevent recurrence

An accident/incident investigation report form is included.

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You may also be interested in MCAA’s new Accident Investigation video for supervisors, which is available in both English and Spanish.

For a full list of MCAA’s 700+ Safety & Health resources, visit this page.

Have Questions or Need Personal Assistance?

Contact Raffi Elchemmas, MCAA’s Executive Director of Safety, Health, and Risk Management.

White House Opioid Announcement Features Alliance Partners

Today the White House announced a historic program targeting opioid overdoses. The White House Challenge to Save Lives from Overdose calls attention to construction industry efforts, including those of MCAA and our safety alliance partners at the National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA), Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractors’ National Association (SMACNA), and The Association of Union Constructors (TAUC).

The announcement comes on the heels of the State of the Union address, which highlighted the efforts of overdose advocate Justin Phillips, who lost her son, Aaron, to an overdose. In 2015, Phillips worked with the Indiana legislature to pass a law giving laypersons, including family and friends of someone with a substance use disorder, access to naloxone without a prescription. 

In today’s announcement, the White House notes:

“Mechanical Contractors Association of America (MCAA), National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA), Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractors’ National Association (SMACNA), and The Association of Union Constructors (TAUC) represent over 10,000 union contractors, providing employment for hundreds of thousands of skilled trade workers in the United States. These organizations, in collaboration with union partners, trained thousands of workers on substance use disorder and overdose prevention and distributed a limited quantity of naloxone. MCAA, NECA, SMACNA, and TAUC endorse having naloxone at all construction sites and urge employers to make the lifesaving medication available to their workforce.”

MCAA and our safety alliance partners have been working together to tackle our industry’s opioid overdose epidemic in coordination with White House staff. Meetings with White House staff have focused on coordinating industry access to naloxone.

“MCAA is honored to be a part of this historic initiative,” said Raffi F. Elchemmas, MCAA’s Executive Director of Safety, Health and Risk Management. He added, “Together with our safety alliance partners, MCAA strongly endorses the continuation of creating awareness of and engagement in solutions to the opioid epidemic such as having naloxone on construction sites and making the lifesaving medication available to the workforce.”

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CNA Shares Tips to Minimize Winter Driving Risks

Operating a vehicle in any weather condition involves a variety of risks. Winter weather requires extra care and attention to minimize risk to both companies and drivers. CNA, an MCAA member and longtime supporter of MCAA’s Safety Excellence Initiative, shares tips to minimize risk and keep everyone safe on the road.

The Winter Driving Guide prepares companies to manage driving operations based on the National Weather Service categories for winter weather risks.

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The Driver: Tips for Wintertime Driving teaches drivers to handle winter driving hazards to so they arrive safety at their destinations.

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MCAA thanks CNA for sharing these resources, and for their commitment to our members’ safety.